Note Regarding Homestead Fraud

**Notice to Hamilton County Residents who claim a homestead credit**

Homestead fraud is a growing trend and one that has the potential to come with hefty penalties not to mention it's creating higher tax bills for all. Individuals and married couples are limited to one homestead standard deduction per homestead laws (IC 6-1.1-12-37 & IC 6-1.1-20.9).

Recently the state passed legislation (IC 6-1.1-36-17) allowing the county auditor to back tax and add a penalty for those property owners deemed ineligible. Homestead deductions are not automatically removed when a taxpayer files on another property.

It is the homeowners' responsibility to provide a written certified statement to the county auditor within 60 days of the date of change. A form titled "ineligible homestead certified statement" is located here. You may complete it and submit it on-line or print it and mail to: